


A KNIGHT OF LABOR; 



OK, 



THElASTERWORKlAI'SfOW 



A >EW AND ORIGINAL DRAMA, DEPICTING STIRRING 

INCIDENTS RELATIVE TO THE GREAT 

gl'ESTlON OF LABOR AND 

CAPITAL, 

BY 

F. PIERCE HUMMEL, 

OF 
READING, PA. 



Entered according to act of Congress in tlie year 1 






7 c. -A 0.1^ 



A KNIGHT OF LABOR: 



OR, 



THE MASTER WORKMAN'S ?0W 



A NEW AND ORIGINAL DRAMA, t)EPICTING STIRRING 

INCIDENTS RELATIVE TO THE GREAT 

QUESTION OF LABOR AND 

CAPITAL, 



I3>T FOTJJEl ^^OTS, 



F. PIERCE^HUMMEL, 



OF 



READING, PA. 



NOV 9 1888 _) / 



Entered aceordiug to act of Congress in the year 1 



\\\v 






Characters. 



Reese Watkins, The Master "Workman. 

Tom WiLBtTR, his Faithful Friend and Brother Knight. 

Jack Dabble, alias "Facility Jack," a Traitor. 

Acting Master Workman. 

Secretary. 

Basil Brandon, a rich Mill-Owner's son. 

Jimmy Isaacs, alias "Jimmy the Eat," the Hebrew Friend. 

Sam Lambert, a Newsboy; the Faithful little Friend 

Police Sergeant, Mc Gonnigle, a Model Officer. 

Mr. Corliss, a Modern Debaucher. 

Zeb Grinnell, a Thieving Hotel Porter. 

Lawyer Pincher, Counsel for the Prosecution. 

Lawyer Brown, Counsel for the Defence. 

Judge of Court. 

Warden. 

Mrs. Watkins, the Master Workman's Wife. 

Ruth Watkins, their Daughter. 

Mother Grinnell, an Old Hag. 

Knights of Labor, Officers, Citizens, <fee. &c. 
COSTUMES, MODERN. 



A KNIGHT OF LABOR; 



-OK,- 



The Master Workman's Vow. 



ACT I. 

Scene \^T.~T7ie Master Workman" s Home at Throckton. Set 
house JR. River hacking. Stage a little dark. \_Soft music 
at rise of curtain which continues until dialogue.^ 

Enter Sam Lambekt, l. u. e., jish rod on hack. Goes off 
B. u. E. tchistling. 

Enter Basil Beandon and Ruth Watkins, k. u. e., in hoat. 
Basil at oars, Ruth at helm, slightly 'oeiled. 

Basil. 'Tis sweet to row when love sits at the helm. 

Sam. \^Ai-&. n. ■¥.., unseen. '\ Hi! Look out there ! You are 
on the rocks ! [Basil and Ruth startled, stop.'] 

Basil. Hang the luck ! I wonder if that imp recognized us ? 
1 would rather than a thousand dollars that he had not seen us. 
Yv^e shall be the talk of Throckton before mid.-night. 

E.QTH. He certainly did not recognize us iii the gloom, Basil, 
and even if he saw your face ; he did not see mine. 

Basil. Let us hope so. 

EuTH. But what have we to fear if all the world saw us to- 
gether? Have we not sworn to be all in all to each other ? 

Basil. Very true, Euth. We have nothing to fear, and we 
fear no one ; but prudence dictates that I must not anger my 
father, or he would cut me off without a dollar. 

Ruth. And even if he should, Basil, our love for each other 
would more than compensate for the loss. 

Basil. Ah, I know your love would compensate for a great 
deal, my own Ruth ; but I believe it is best to be cautious. Love 
in a cottage is delightful, no doubt ; but a little money thrown 
in should not lessen the ardor of love, or detract from the attrac- 
tions of the cottage. If, by keeping our love a secret for a few 



4 A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 

months, I can be admitted to a partnership in the Throckton 
Steel Works, and thus become independent, why not do so ? 

Ruth. And would it not be time enough for us to be 
married then ? 

Basil. No, Ruth, my darling ; I want you to be my little 
wife at once. My father is constantly urging my marriage with 
Edith Beaumont. She is rich and aristocratic, as you know, 
and it would please his pride to see our families united. Once 
married to you, all his pleadings on this point must fall on heed- 
less ears. This is mainly why I am so anxious for our marriage 
now. I want to possess you. I cannot wait, and the thought 
that you might possibly become another's, makes me all the 
more anxious for the ceremony that shall make us one. 

Ruth. And you think you can always love me like this, Basil, 
and have no regrets for preferring me to all the grand ladies of 
your acquaintance ? 

Basil. {Earnestly. '\ For all time and eternityf IKissing her .'] 

Ruth. Be it so, then. I'll go with you to the ends of the 
earth. {They roii5 off l. u. e., Micsic until off\'] 

{Enter Mrs. Watkins fbom house e.] 

Mrs. Watkins. {Anxiously.'] Nearly mid night, and Ruth 
not yet returned. I fear something has happened to her. And 
her poor father! how his peace of mind will be disturbed when 
he misses her merry greeting. {Sighs ] Oh, what shall I do ? 
He'll soon return from his work and yet I dread to tell him 
{Looks off^h. u. E.] Here becomes now. {Music until dialogue.'] 

{Enter Reese Watkins, l. u. e., in working clothes 

carrying dinner pail.] 

Reese. {Greeting his wife pleasantly .] Ah, wife, bless your 
dear heart ; here you are to welcome me home once more from 
the long hours of honest toil. {Kisses her and puts pail on 
small tattle o% bench against house. Turns and notices his 
wife's doion-cast look.] Why, what's wrong, lass ? 

Mrs. Watkins. I'm only anxious for Ruth, Reese ; she has 
not been home since night-fall, and I cannot think where she 
could have gone. I've been down to Sallie Upton's but she has 
not been there, and Sallie, who is most generally her compan- 
ion, has not seen her. I fear something has befallen the child. 

Reese. {Eagerly.] In Heaven's name what could have hap- 
pened to her, Bess ? Why did you not watch o'er her and see 
that she did not go out after dark ? Eh, lass, this is a bitter blow. 
{Old fasMoned clock in Watkins' house strikes 12] Mid-night and 
Ruth away from home ! 'Tis the first time, and I fear some- 



A KNIGHT OF LABOK. 5 

tiling awfnl nuist have happened. What shall I do ? Where 
go to find her? 

Mks. Watkins. Patience, Keese, dear It may not be as 
bad as you think. Perhaps Kuth has been detained at some 
friend's house till morning. 

Keese. Nonpence, iiess ! What friend's house could she be 
detained at ? It's the first time she's been away from home 
this late and l^elieve me, wife, it means nothing good. It may 
mean death or disgrace. 

Mes. Watkins. Oh Keese, Keese, don't talk that way, you 
always think of the worst. 

Keese. And you don't think at all, Bess. If you'd done a 
mother's duty the girl would now be home. A curse o'your 
easy-going, slip-shod way ! It has brought us misery, and 
made the gal an outcast or a corpse to-night, [Mes. Watkins 
turns away weeping.] 

\Enter Police Seegeant, l. u. e.] 

Keese. Sergeant, have you seen my Kuth ? 

Seeg. Your Kuth ? 

Keese. Yes, my little gal. She went on some errand early 
in the evening for her mother, and she has not yet come back. 

Seeg. Do you suspect anything wrong ? 

Reese. [iTupatiently .'] Idontknow; I dont know, 

Seeg. Oi'm sorry, Mr. Watkins ; but 'Oi can't give you any 
information sorr. ^Exlt^ u.e.] 

Keese. [ Turning to his wife, sadl^ly. ] Poor Bess ! [ Goes 
and kisses her. ] Forgive me, Jass. I was to harsh with you, 
but then I felt provoked and bitter. But now go into the house 
and retire while I go in search of our child, for I shall not re- 
turn until I find some trace of her. [^Exit e. u. e. Music until 
next scene.'] 

Mes. Watkins. {Looking after him.] And may Heaven aid 
you! 

\8cene Closes.] 



A supposeef lapse of one day. 

Scene 2nd. A street in Throckton in 1st g. {Enter Sam 
Lambeet e. 1 e., imth hundle of newspapers under his arm, 
shouting. Sevei^al citizens enter l. 1 e. and go off r. 1 e.] 

Sam. "Throckton Evening Journal ! " All the latest news 
of the day. 

{Enter Police Seegeant l. 1 e.] 

Seeg. Here ! Here ! Don't be a' hollerin' as if you were 
troyin' to bust your lungs. 



6 A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 

Sam. " Throckton Evening Journal ! " All the latest news 
of the day. lOffering paper.] 

Seeg. No sorr ! I niver rade the newspapers. [ Walks 
towards R. 1 e.] 

Sam. "Evening Journal!" Full account of the Police 
Sergeant who takes his toddy at the back door. 

Sekg. [Turning quickly.'] Phwhat's that ? 

Sam. Not this Sergeant. Some other Sergeant. You're all- 
right. 

Serg. Young man you're too smart. [Bxlt R. 1 e] 
[Enter Eeese l. 1 e. looking dejected.] 

Sam. Mr. Watkins, did you find Ruth ? 

Reese. [Walking past Sam loithout noticing him.] Don't 
annoy me lad. 1 have not seen her. 

Sam. But I saw her last night. 

Reese. [Turning to ^ am, eagerly.] Where lad ? Where 
did you see my Ruth ? 

Sam. I saw her in a boat. 

Reese. [Startled] My Heaven ! She must be drowned. 
Where was it Sam ? Tell me lad, tell me quick! where did 
you see her ? 

[Muter Jack Dabble, cautiously l. 1 e. hiding behind wing 
L. listening.] 

Sam. You won't be mad if I toll you ? I'm only a poor 
news-boy, Mr. Watkins, but I'm sorry for your trouble just as 
much as bigger folks, and I'm perticlar sorry if anything has 
happened to poor Ruth. 

Reese. No, I won't be mad, Sam ; I'll be ever so grateful. 
But come tell me quick, and tell me all about it. 

Sam. Well, sir, she was in a boat with Basil Brandon, and 
they rowed up the river. I was a fishin' down near the Witche's 
Landing, when who should I see start out, an' heading right 
again' the current, but Basil and Ruth. He was pullin' the oars 
with all his might and would a struck agin' a rock but that I 
shouted out to waru him. He looked mad — an' I guess purt}^ 
near swore — stopped a bit, then turned farther into the stream 
and made for the other side. Ruth's face was slightly covered 
with a veil, but I got a glimpse of her eyes and I'm sure it was 
her. I thought they were only goin' out for a short row, an' I 
havn't said a word to a livin' soul. I was away on the train all 
day and I didn't know you was a lookin' for Ruth until I came 
back this evening. [This narrative causes Reese to shake loith 
passion.] 

Reese. Sam, are you sure that what you tell me is the truth ? 

Sam. As sure as I 'live, Mr. Watkins, Don't I know Basil 



A KNIGHT OF LA^OE. 7 

Brandon, and doesn't he give me a quarter a piece for the pa- 
pers and not ax any change ? And more than that, don't I know 
Euth who's been as kind to me as a sister ever since my poor 
mother died ? 

Eeese. [Vehemently.] Then, by the Eternal, if Basil Bran- 
don has disgraced her, he shall die ! I'll make the pampered 
ruffian feel that he cannot trifle with the honor of a poor man's 
child ; and were he twice as rich and proud, I'll kill him as I 
would a rat ! 

Sam. Oh, Mr Watkins ! 

Eeese. [Bight hand raised, solemnly.'] I vow to Heaven I'll 
kill him if he has wronged her ! [Composing himself.] Sam, 
your'e a good boy. [Patting hiTYlon the head.] I have one re- 
quest to make. Never mention a word about this thing. If you 
keep the secret, I sha'nt forget it. Meantime, I want you to 
keep your eyes and ears open, and help me all you can to find 
Euth. 

Sam. I'l] do everything in my power, Mr. Watkins. In- 
deed, I'm real sorry that Euth has run away from her home. 
[Shakes hands with Eeese and exits l. 1 e.] 

Eeese. [Impetuously.] Can it be possible, my Euth gone 
with that reprobate, Basil Brandon ? Oh, Heaven what a hor- 
rible thought it is that gnaws my heart ! 

[Jack advances and listens intently.] 
I'll go over to Brandon's now, and if the young dog is there, 
I'll kill him in his fathers house, and before his fathers eyes ! 
[Ruslies off R. 1 E. Music until off\] 

[Enter Sam l. 1 e. unseen by Jack, listening.] 
Jack. [Looking after Eeese.] Ha! Ha! So much for 
the proud beauty ! Wnen I offered her my hand I was rejDuls- 
ed Now she has eloped with Basil Brandon and her father 
vows that he'll kill him. Well, 1 shan't forget that, for some 
day it may be of some advantage to me. [Turns to go off^ L. 1 
E. notices Sam and is startled.] You young rascal ! Have you 
been standing here listening to me ? 
Sam. I just got here X 

Jack. I say you have been standing here listening tome. 
[Tries to choke him.] 

Sam. Let go, Jack! Help! Help! [Soft music until dia- 
logue. ] 

[Enter Police Seeg. e. 1 e.] 

Seeg. Here ! Here ! You lubberly cuss, let go o'that boy, 
or 'Oil! schplit your schgull fer you. 

Jack. [Releasing '^ am, aside.] Curse that boy ! He knows 
too much. [Exit l. 1 e.] 



8 A KNIGHT OF LABOE. 

Sam. I'm much obliged to you Sergeant. 
Sekg. Oh, don't mintion it. [Both Exit l. 1 e. Music 
next scene.] 

Scene 



Scene 3rd. Mother OrinnelVs TMems Lodging House JSf. Y- 
Rough looking interior. Zeb Grinnelt. discovered sleeping on 
old lounge l. Lights down. [_8oft music until Zeb starts 
up, then chord] 

Vision Scene. When curtain rises, flats are open at hack 
disclosing illuminated tableau, illustrating Zeb Grinnei.l's 
dream of his crime. Tido apartments are shown on an elevation, 
in left one of which, Euth is represented lying on couch asleep, 
her head towards i\. facing audience Ln right apartment Basil 
is represented sleeping on easy chair facing i.. Zeb Grinnell 
is represented stealthily going up to 'Bx^ii.from behind thrusting 
his hand into his inner vest pocket witJidratcing a wallet there- 
from. Lie next tries to take his watch and chain, but in doing 
so awakens Basil tcho jumps up and they clinch. Zeb by a 
quick movement hits the latter over theheadtDith a billy, whenhe 
falls prostrated. Zeb is awed for a moment, then openes windoio 
at back, picks up the body as if to throw it out through. Flats 
close. Lights up. 

Note. — The vision scene can be dispensed loith, it depending 
alUogether upon the taste of the manager and the facilities for 
making it. 

Zeb. {Jumping up from lounge in terrin^ble alarm.] Ah! 
what have I done ? Keep back ! 

{Enter Mothee Geinnell, e. u. e.] 

MoTHEE G. What's the matter with you, boy ? 

Zeb. [Recovering himself.'] Oh, mother, is it you ? I've 
had a dream so horrible, that it makes me shudder to think of it. 

Mothee G. Ah, nonsense ! You chicken-hearted booby ! 
What's in a dream ? 

Zeb. Nothing, of course — unless it is a vision of truth. 

Mothee G. {S'ii4)rised.] Truth? 

Zeb. Ay, truth. And so vividly was the phantasy impressed 
on my mind, that I started up in alarm, imagining that I was 
pursued by officers. {Voices and commotion heard without t.. 
Zeb startled.] Can it be, that they are already on my track? 

Mother G. {Going to door lu in flat looking off i..] Don't 
be alarmed. Its "Jimmy the Eat" and another fellow carrying 
a gal between them and a whole gang following them heading 
right for this place too. {Music until dialogue!] 



A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 9 

{Enter Jimmy Isaacs and another man at door l. in flat fol- 
lowed by crowd, carrying Kuth helplessly hetioeen tliem. Her 
hair flowing, laying her on lounge l. Head front ] 

MoTHEK G. \^Angrily.^ What's this ? 

Jimmy. It's a young lady, my dear. I vos a' vatchin' her 
from around de' corner, un' saw her a'goin right down to de 
river, und jumpiu. Yust den "Tom de Shmer" jumped in after 
her un' kotched hold on her by de hair, un' held on until help 
came, un' dey vos both pulled ashore drippin' vet like a bair 
aiiif Coney Island mermaids. De gal, she fainted, un' de boys 
dey tought ve'd better carry her here till she came to, poor 
ting. 

Mother G. [_Angrily.'] And I don't thank you a bit for 
wettin', and spoilin' my floor with her. 

Jimmy. Ah, nefer mind, Mudder Grinnell, we'll makit it all 
right. Let's hel'p de poor ting to. Who knows vot troubles 
she may haf at heart. 

Zeb. Let's have a good look at her, any how. \_Ooe9 up to 
her, then starts hack terror stricken. Chord. ] Great Heaven ! his 
sister ! 

ALii. [In amazement.^ Whose sister ? 

Zeb. Why — somebody's, of course. [Aside.} Something 
must be done here, and quickly too. [Aloud.} Stand back, 
every one of you ! Don't you see the gal is dead ? [Music un- 
til dialogue.'] 

All. [Startled'] Dead! [They all run out at door -l. in 
flat except Jimmy, Zeb and Mother Gkinnell, the latter tiDO 
going to door l. in flat looking after croiod. Euth sets up look- 
ing around 'vacantly.] 

Jimmy. I nefer seed anybody halef so nice, und I vonder vot 
could de poor gal vant to drownd herselef for, I've halef a 
mind to gif back her money. 

Zeb. [Turning around looking at Ruth, then aside.] I 
thought she was dead, but confound her, it looks as if she'd live 
after all. 

Ruth. What place is this ? 

Mother G. [ Turning to Ruth, sui'ly. ] It's a decent lodging 
house, and if you have any money you'd better pay me live 
dollars for the spoiling of my fine carpets. A few busy-bodies 
fished you out of the river after you threw yourself in, and they 
brought you here dripping wet, to destroy everything. A fine 
mess you've made of the place, and before you go away, you 
must settle with me for the damage you have done. 

Ruth. I'm afraid, I haven't much money, somebody stole 
my purse this afternoon, and left me almost penniless. I'm 



10 A KNIGHT OF LABOE. 

friendless, too^ and iliere is not much I can work at in this 
great city. 

[Jimmy gets nervous on hearing this speech.'] 

Mother G. Ah, that's all fudge ! Who would be likely to 
take your pocket-book in the street in open day? 

Ruth. It does seem incredible, but it is so, nevertheless ; 
and I think the apple woman who witnessed the affair called the 
young man "Jimmy the Eat!" 

Jimmy. ^Startled, aside.] "Jimmy de Eat!" Jimminy 
Grickets ! 

Zeb, Ho, Jimmy then your'e the lucky cuss.'' [Pointing at 
him. 

Jimmy. Oxcuse me, it vos a misdook ! [Bushes out at door 
I., in flat. Re-appears hy cautiously opening window e. in flat, 
sticking his head through, listening.] 

Mother G. [Malignantly placing her arms akimbo.] It's 
a very, very plausible story you tell. You pretend to be very 
innocent, don,t you ? but if you think you can sponge a lodg- 
ing here you are very much mistaken. The idea of a gal with 
such a pretty face as you have, saying she has no money is al- 
together too flimsy, and I can tell you it won't wash with this 
old child. 

EuTH. What's one's face got to do with one's poverty? Isn't 
it possible for a girl to be good-looking and have no money in 
her pocket? 

Mother G. Well, not in New York, Miss, unless the girl's 
a fool, and I can tell you that yon don't look much like a fool, 

EuTH. [Despairingly.] Heaven help me ! [Falls exhaust- 
ed on lounge.] 

Zeb. [Calling his mother aside to b. front.] See here, 
mother, don't you crowd the gal. Let me tell you something. 
I'm the cause of all of that girl's troubles. 

MoTHEE G. How ? 

Zeb. Last night a young lady and gentleman stopped at the 
hotel and registered as ' 'Basil Brandon and Sister." After the 
young man had done this, he asked for two of the best rooms 
in the house and paid the bill. As he did so, I discovered that 
he carried a large amount of money with him, and I made up 
my mind to get possession of it. 

Mother G. Quite right! 

Zeb. Accordingly, when I thought he had retired, I entered 
his room but was surprised to find him asleep in a chair. At 
first I did not know how to proceed, but finally concluded to 
thrust my hand into the sleeping man's pocket and run the risk 
of his awakening. I did so, and the plan succeeded. 



A KNIGHT OF LA^OE. 11 

Mother G. Good ! 

Zeb. I might have got away with this in safety, had I not also 
wanted his gold watch and chain. But while I was in the act of 
removing the latter he started up. Then ensued a terrible 
struggle, but with a quick movement I hit him over the head 
with a billy, and he fell senseless at my feet. 

MoTHEB G. Smart boy ! 

Zeb. Fearing detection, I seized the body and flung it 
through the window into the court-yard below. I immediately 
descended the stairs, passed out to where the body^lay, and 
quickly removing therefrom all evidences of its indeiyty, I had 
it conveyed to St. Vincent's Hospital, where I suppose it now 
lies cold and stiff in death a veritable ''unknown." 

Mother G. Bui what's that got to do with this gal ? 

Zeb. She is that young man's sister ! 

Mother G. ^Surprised.'] His sister? 

Zeb. Yes, and all the money and other valuables that I se- 
cured through that transaction, ought to be sufficient to pay for 
her shelter, this night at least. Therefore, let her stay, and 
then in the morning you can send her adrift if you like. 

Mother G. Well, Zeb, if you'll have it so, all right, but for 
my part, I'd rather put her out to-night. 

Zeb. If she goes to-night, she may do some silly thing to 
attract the attention of the cops, and it's better to have her here. 

Mother G. You talk as if you were in the gal's power. 
Now, if you are, the thing is in our own hands. What's easier 
than to finish her during the night, and to say that she died as 
the result of her jumping into the river ? 

Zeb. That might lead to an investigation. 

Mother G. [Contemptuously.] Faugh ! You're a cowardi 
You haven't the courage of "Jimmy the Bat" I could finish her 
without leaving as much as a finger-mark upon her dainty neck, 
and you needn't know a thing about it. I tell you such people 
are more dangerous alive than dead. If she wasn't so good, we 
might make something oat of her; but I think she is too Sun- 
day-schoolish to be of any use, and I have no patience with such 
people. 

Zeb. [Disgustedly.'] Oh, do as you please about it. What do 
I care about the way you run your ranch ? As for me, I think my 
health needs a change of air, and I'll dig out as soon as I can. 
There's a man at a place called Throckton, who wants a fellow 
to take charge of a gang to "ease up" freight-trains, and I think 
1 can put in a month profitably at the business. I don't want 
to monkey around here, and stand the chance of getting caught 
by some of those confounded blood-hounds of the law, and don't 
let that slip your mind. My advice to you, though, is, let that 



12 A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 

gal live and go her way, or you may get into trouble. 

Mother G. What trouble can I get into ? Isn't the police 
solid for me ? Don't they get their regular divies out of what I 
makes ? and are they likely to ask any questions if a dead gal is 
found among my lodgers in the morning ? Zeb, you're a chicken 
in the business, and that little job you did seems to have 
made a regular softy of you. Leave this thing to me, and you'll 
find that one of the biggest witnesses against you, in case you 
ever get into trouble over the killing of that chap, will be miss- 
ing when her name is called. 

Zrb. All right, I'll not interfere. I've a notion to pull up 
stakes and dig out this very night. If you do anything, do it 
up slick and leave no marks. 

Mother G. Trust me for that. And now lets say no more 
about it. I'll offer this cherry-cheeked damsel a bed for the 
night, and make her feel as if she had a mother in me. 

Zeb. Very well, and now I'm off. \_ExUs door l. in flat, as 
lie turns to go Jimmy closes the loindow andioithdraws Ms head.'] 

Mother G, {Looking after Zeb, giving a hard, heartless 
laugh.] "If I do anything!" Why, Zeb, you're a fool ! {Ooes 
to KuTH and addresses her in extreme hypocritical kindness. As 
she does so Jimmy reappears at vnndoio as before.] Miss ! Miss ! 
[Ruth opens her eyes, Mother Grinnell strokes her hair.] 

I'm afraid I was too harsh with you, my dear; but I'm not as 
severe as my words would lead you to believe. You must stay 
here to-night and rest ; then in the morning, you may go where 
you i)lease. 

Ruth. [Sitting up.] I must go away to-night I know not 
where, but still I must go away. 

Mother G. You will be better al)le to go in the morning. 
Let mo put you to bed, and get you a nice warm drink. You 
need it, my dear. [Ruth shakes her head sadly.] Oh, don't 
refuse. There, now, it will be all right, and I'm sorry I spoke 
so rough to you a little while ago. The truth is, we meet so 
many rough people here that we can't always tell at first, and 1 
made a mistake, but now I can see that you are a real lady, and 
I'll do anything I can for you. Gome, now, don't hesitate, I 
was once a girl myself, and I know what it is to be without 
friends. [Kisses her.] 

Ruth, How good you are ! I will remain for the night. 
[Jimmy looks dismayed.] 

Mother G. That's a good girl. [Lays her down.] Now 
just lie down here a bit and rest yourself. I'll be back shortly. 
[Goes to R. u. K., casting a fiendish glance at Ruth and exits. 
Music until dialogue. As she exits Jimmy closes the window 



A KNIGHT OF LABOK. 13 

and loithdraws liis head until after her exit when he re-appears 
as before. 

Jimmy Curse de luck ! I couldn't get a vord or a nudge in 
edgevays to varn de poor ting, und like as not de old gal vill 
make a gorpse out of her before morning. {Galling in a hoarse 
whisper. ^ Are you avake, Miss? {Pause. JSfo ansioer'] Oh, 
get up kevick ! Your life's in danger, I'm your friend ! 

KuTH. {Starting up.] Who's there, and what do you mean ? 

Jimmy. Never mind who I vos — I vos your friend, und I haf 
been vaitin' here all night to varn you. I couldn't bear to see 
you hurt. Look owit for Mudder Grinnell, und get avay from 
here as fa'-t as you can. Good night. {Closes window and 
withdraws his Jiead.] 

EuTH. Heaven help me ! What shall I do ? Hark ! I hear 
some one coming. {Lies doicn and feigns sleep. Soft music un- 
til Jimmy speaks.'\ 

{Enter Mother Grinnell, stealthily, e. u. e. candying a mal 
in one hand, sponge in the other ; pours liquid from mal on 
sponge and advances toward Euth toho suddenly jumps up and 
makes a break for door l. in flat, but is instantly caught by 
Mother Grinnell, and clasped tightly in lier arms, when she 
presses sponge to her nose and mouth.'\ 

Ruth. Ob, Heaven! Don't murder me! Help! Help! 
{Falls prostrated on lounge ] 

[Jimmy re-appears at windoio as before, looking terified, 
Mother Grinnell again pours liquid on sponge and presses it 
to Ruth's nose and mouth.'] 

Jimmy. {In a hoarse ioisper, his head almost entirely with- 
drawn.] Mudder Grinnell! Mudder Grinnell ! 

Mother G. {Startled.] Who's— who's there ? 

Jimmy. You are vanted down stairs ; de cops are comin'. 

Mother G. {Contemptuously ^^ Oh, confound the cops ! 
Go away ! 

Jimmy. But it ain't p'iice! it's de detectives. 

Mother G. {Terribly startled.] "Detectives!" {Throio- 
ing adde sponge.] Curses on them! they shall not defeat me ! 
{Bushes off 11. u. E. Music until curtain.] 

Jimmy. {Jumping in through id i7idow on chair,] Id vos a 
close shafe, but if de gal lives I'm sdill in time.] Ooes up to 
UvTH calling.] Miss! Miss! {Pause, no anstcer.] Maybe 
she vos dead already. {Puts his hand to her Jieart.'] No ! her 
heart beats! Tank Heaven she sdill lives! Now to get her 
away from here before dot old hag comes back. {Looks around 
cautiously, then pauses.] But how vos I to do it ? Poor ting 
she can't even valk, No matter! I've made up my mind to 



14 A KNIGHT OF LABOK. 

save her, und by de help of Heaven. [Looks up and takes off 
Ms hat.] I'll do it or die in de attempt. [Throws off' his coat 
and hat and picks her up^ when she shows signs of remval and 
they totter to door l. in flat. 

[Enter Mother Grinnell excitedly e. u. e. discovers 
Jimmy and Ruth at door l. in flat ] 

Mother G. [Shrieks ] I've been tricked, and by my own 
friends ! but vengeance is mine ! [Produces dagger and rushes 
furiously toward Jimmy and Ruth.] 

Jimmy. [Supporting 'Rvt'H. with one hand, draining reTiolmr 
with the other on Mother Grinnell.] Put down dot knife! 
[Mother Grinnell stands transfixedly near centre, and drops 
dagger. 

Picture. — Curtain. 



A KNIGHT OF LA^OE. 



ACT II. 

Scene 1st, [A room in Watkin's house. Sam Lambeet dis- 
covered lying on cot T,. looking pale. Mrs. Watkins sitting he - 
side him. Soft miLsic at rise of curtain.'] 

Sam. Where is Kuth ? 

Mrs. Watkins. Hush, Sam, lad ! The doctor says you must 
keep perfectly quiet. You have spoken a great deal of late — a 
great deal more than is good for you, and you must be still if 
you hope to get well. 

Sam. I am getting well, Mrs. Watkins, and I know what I 
am saying. Formerly, 1 was dreaming, and some queer things 
crossed my mind ; but now I'm fully awake, and I want to know 
the worst way where Kuth is. 

Mks. Watkins. Alas ! My child, nobody but the good 
Father Himself. ^Casting Mr eyes upwards,] knows where 
my poor Ruth is. She has not darkened our door ever smce you 
came here, and that is about two weeks ago. 

Sam. And why don't you find out where she is ? 

Mrs. Watkins. " Why don't we?" Her poor father has 
done nothing but search for her day and night since she dis- 
appeared ; but it's no use ; I fear we shall never see her again. 

Sam. Then why not ask Basil Brandon ? He knows, if he 
wants to tell. 

Mrs. Watkins. But he has not been home, either, and the 
strangest feature of the mystery is, that nobody knows where 
he is, or what's become of him. 

SAMh \JJttering a long km) whistle,] That beats all, Mrs. 
Watkins. They are surely together somewhere, and maybe 
married. You just wait until I'm able to get around again, and 
if I don't find them, you call me a chump. 

Mrs. Watkins. Indeed, I'll do nothing of the sort, Sam 
It is not so easy to find them as you may imagine. 

Sam. But I'll find them or die in the attempt. Oh, I can 
ferret out a good many things when I try, Mrs. Watkins, and 
even if I am small, there's lots o'people a good deal bigger that 
can't do as well as I can in that line. 

Mrs. Watkins. Let us hope so. 



16 A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 

[Bnter Jack cautiously door r. in flat, unseen by Mrs. Wat- 
kins and Sam. 

Sam. Has anybody but Mr. Watkins been a'looking for her ? 

Mrs. Watkins. Oh, yes ; all the neighbors have been very 
kind. Tom Wilbur has done all he could, and even poor Jack 
Dabble, against whom everybody appears to be prejudiced, has 
inquired wherever he went. 

Sam. [Startled^ What! '•Facility Jack ?" You don't mean 
to say that he's been a-helpin' to find Ruth ? Oh, Mrs. Watkins, 
don't trust him ! Don't trust him ! He's the man that tried to 
kill me. He's the one that set the building on fire. Don't let 
him near the house. He's a bad man. 

Jack. [Adoanci^ig.] The \^oy is raving again. [Mbs. Wat- 
kins and Sam startled.] 

Sam. [^Courageously.'] I'm not raving a bit, Jack. You 
know you did it ; you know you tried to kill me, and that I saw 
you setting fire to the building. 

Jack. [Fiercely.] You lie ! [Rushes towards ^h.-^., threaten- 
ing to strike him. Music until Tom speaks.] 

Mbs. Watkins. [Springing between Jack and Sam, raising 
her arm in a defending manner.] You will kill me before you 
touch the lad ! 

Jack. [Furiously, catching Mks. Watkins by her arm, 
trying to drag her aioay ] Get out of my way woman ! 

[Enter Tom Wilbuk quickly at door e in fl^at, rushing up to 
Jack and striking him a Mow that sends Mm spraioling. 

Tom. Take that, you cowardly whelp ! 

Jack. [Jumps up, sees Tom, a?id hisses out.] Oh, it's you is 
it ? Well, I'll get even with you in good time. [ Walks toioards 
door E. in flat and looks savagely at Tom. 

Sam. Hit 'im again, Tom! He deserves all you can give 'im. 

Tom. I've a good mind to. He's a miserable coward and 
sneak. [Advances toioards Jack, raising his fist in a menacing 
manner. The former moving towsards door -&. in flat.] Now, 
you get out of here, you miserable cur, before I'm compelled 
to kick you out ! 

Jack. Curse you Tom Wilbur ! You shall pay dearly for 
this, and mighty soon too. [Exit door e. in flat scowling. 
[Enter Reese Watkins door r. in flat.] 

Mrs. Watkins. Oh, Reese, dear, have you any news of 
her ? 

Reese. Only a slender clew. Away down at the village of 
Hinston, I found young Brandon's boat in the possession of a 
farmer. 1 asked him how he obtained it, and he told me he saw it 
floating by one day about two weeks ago and as nobody claimed 



A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 17 

it, he thought he would keep it, I knew it at a glance, and I've 
been thinking ever since I saw it, that maybe Ruth and her ab- 
ductor were drowned. 1 wish I was quite sure of that. It would 
be a great comfort to know that our child was drowned instead 
of being disgraced by this pampered scoundrel . 

[Enter Police Sekg. door n. in flat.] 

Serg. Gintlemen, O'im sorry ' to inform you that it is moy 
painful duty to take you into custody on the charge of con- 
spiring to take the loife of Basil Brandon. [Everybody startled.] 

Mrs. Watkins. Arrested! Mercy! [Weeps.] 

Reese. There is some terrible treachery, some horrible mis- 
take here, man ! I have not seen young Brandon since the 
scape-grace stole my child. If he crossed my path I'd kill him. 
All the world may know that. [Turning to Ms wife] But 
there, Bess, don't cry. Heaven knows we've had trouble enough, 
lass, and where this last disgrace will end, I know not. Be 
brave and take good care o'poor little Sam until I come back. 
Mercy ! What injustice there be in this world ! Come, Tom, 
I'm ready. Let us go with this man, and see what hand has 
prepared this latest dose of gall for us. 

Tom. [Fermiitly.] And may Heaven protect and defend the 
innocent! [Picture. Music until next scene.] 

Sam. Wait till 1 get well, and if I don't straighten things 
out call me 'Facility Jack," or any other hard name you can 
think of. 

[Scene closes.] 



"Scene 2nd. A street in Throckton, 1st g. [Enter Jimmy 
Isaacs, b. 1 e.] 

Jimmy, Jumpin' Jehosaphat ! Rebecca und Schmearkase! 
Vot ati oxberieuce I've had in der last dwo veeks. I haf saved 
a gal from bein' killed, und I haf seen Zeb Grinnell go ub like 
a schgy -rocket und his body daken for somebody else's. Und 
Mudder Grinnell, she's blayin' solitaire mit her nose behind a 
brison door. Veil, I guess dey are both enjoyin' demselves im- 
mensely. I haf seen so much, und found owit so much, dot I 
can make some beople versy happy, und give to oders, deir 
dues vot long ago belonged to 'em. Und I'm agoin' to do it or 
[!11 bust mit emotion. Uad I vosn't goin' to bust yet. Und der 
first veller vot vill get his dues vill be Jack Dabble. [Looking 
off L. 1 E.] Dalk about his Sadanic Majesdy, und he vas sure 
to abbear. 



18 A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 





[Enter Jack, l. 1 e. ] 


Jack. 


Well! 


Jimmy. 


Veil! 


Jack. 


Why are you still in Throckton ? 


Jimmy. 


Bizness. 


Jack. 


Business ? 


Jimmy. 


Oxactly. 


Jack. 


What do you mean ? 


Jimmy. 


I mean dot bizness vos bizness. 



Jack, I understand your insinuations, but if you insist on 
hanging around here, and interfere with any of my affairs, I 
shall inform the New York officers of your whereabouts. 

Jimmy. Dot's very good. Don't forget to tell'em dot you're 
here too. I know dot I vos forced to do a good many tings by 
Mudder Grinnell's gang dot vosn't right, but I haf turned over 
a new leaf und I mean to take good care dot it von't get dirty. 
As for you, I know enough about you to send you to brison for 
life, und maybe to de end of a hemp schtring. I know, too, dot 
you vos up to some mean piece of bizness around here, but auf 
you don't let up on it, I'll gif de whole schnap Siwuy. 

Jack. [Fm^iously.] What! You mean to "peach," but 
you shall not have the opportunity ! [Produces dagger and 
rushes furiously toicards Jimmy. ] 

Jimmy, [Produces pistol and points it at Jack ] No you 
don't, for a halef a dohar ! [Jack retreats, Clord.'] 

Jack. Curse you! 

Jimmy. Don't do dot again or I'll make you go to schleep. 

Jack. See here, Jimmy. I guess we've both been too hasty. 
Now I tell you what we'll do. Lets call it quits, and stand by 
each other and do the square thing. Here's my hand on it. 
[They shake hands ] 

Jimmy. Oh, cairdaiuly. 

Jack. Very well. The compact is sealed ; and now I must 
be off. [Exit^. 1 e.] 

Jimmy, [Looking after 3 a.gk'] You pets dot, I'll schi^tand 
by you all de time, und bretty close too. Und as for de schquare 
ting, you'll find owit dot I'll do dot too when it comes to round 
ub und your doom vos sealed, und now I must be off. [Exit 
L. 1 E. Music until next scene ] 

[Scene opens.'] 



Scene 3ed. [Meeting Room of the Knights of Labor, 
Knights assembled and seated k.*^ l. Acting Master Work- 
man in chair, centre back. Secretary in front e. Jack l. 
front. Tom standing e. front addressing the meeting. ] 



A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 19 

Tom. Brother Knights, I desire to call your attention to a 
matter of great importance. The life of our Master Workman, 
Reese Watkins, is in danger. He's been arrested and committed 
to prison, on suspicion of a crime of which he knows nothing . 
He's accused of the killing of Basil Brandon, whose body was 
found in the river near the Steel Mills, and a large portion of 
this community has made up its mind that he is guilty. I know 
that he is innocent- — ay, as innocent as any man of you, and yet 
he is to be hounded; persecuted and probably hung. His accusers 
remember what provocation he had and without a word of evidence 
they condemn him for what they think he ought to have done. 
They believe that he vindicated his child's honor and slew her 
betrayer. I don't know what he might do if he had the oppor- 
tunity ; I don't know what any lather in this community might 
do under similar circumstances, but I do know that Reese 
Watkins had nothing whatever to do with the death of Basil 
Brandon, and I want this assembly not only to assume the cost 
of his defense, but also to see that he is ably defended. I move, 
therefore, that a committee of three be appointed from this as- 
sembly, by the present Master Workman, to conduct the defense 
of Reese Watkins, and draw on our treasury for the necessary 
amount. 

Jack. lliising.'\ That proposition is monstrous and un- 
heard of ! If this assembly sets itself up to defend all its mem- 
bers who may get into the courts, it will have its hands full. 
My motto is, don't go to law, and you won't get into trouble. 

Tom. [Hotlp.] But what are you to do if you be arrested 
and falsely accused ? 

Jack. Well, that's for the court to ascertain. If Reese 
Watkins is innocent, no power on earth can hold him. Why, 
then, should we expend the financves of this assembly in his de- 
fense ? ^Resumes Ms seat.] 

Tom. Why should we ? Because it is in harmony with 
the spirit of our institution. The question now arises, are we a 
dress-parade organization, or do we mean business? If we are 
united for palaver and platitudes, we will leave our worthy 
Master Workman to his fate, but if we are a practical body, 
beheving what we jjrofess, we will go to his assistance, and see 
that justice is not denied him. Remember that our order is 
founded on the noble principle ' ' that it is the most perfect 
government in which an injury to one is the concern of all." 
I would not have this assembly do anything radical or wrong, 
but I believe that when the liberty — nay the verj^ life of one 
of its members is in peril, it is time for it to take action and 



20 A KNIGHT OF LABOE. 

use all lawful means to save him. Now I renew my motion for 
the appointment of said committee. 

Jack. {^Rising, '\ And where do you think such power as 
you would confer on this committee would end? 

Tom. [ Very emphatically.] Honestly ! It would end hon- 
estly, Jack, provided you, or no man like you has a hand in it. 

Acting M. W. ^Galling them to order.] The meeting will 
confine itself to the question. Has the motion of Brother Wil- 
bur been seconded ? 

All. I second the motion ! 

Acting M. W. It has been moved and seconded "that a 
committee of three be appointed from this assembly, by the 
present Master Workman, to conduct the defense of Reese 
Watkins, and draw on our treasury for the necessary amount." 
Are you ready for the question ? 

All. Question ! 

Acting M. W. All those in favor of the motion will please 
signify their assent by saying "Ay." 

All. Ay ! 

Acting M. W. Contrary, if any- "No." {Pause. Silence.] 
The motion is carried and it's so ordered. Mr. Wilbur, Mr. 
Smith and Mr. Jones will constitute that committee. 

Tom. [^Rising.] Master Workman, I rise to prefer charges 
of the most serious nature against a member of this assembly. 
{Members look aMonished a7id gesticulate to each other.] Ibis 
a painful duty for me to arraign any man, but a duty which I 
owe to this noble order and to myself. We have among us, to- 
night, a man who is false tOj^every principle for which we are 
organized. He talks glil^by, professes an interest m our wel- 
fare, calls himself a working-man, and all that, but I can prove 
him to be a loafer, an incendiary, and a would-be -murderer ! 

All. Name him ! Name him ! 

Tom. I can prove to this assembly, that the very man of 
whom I speak, and who takes part in our discussions, set fire to 
the building that we were burnt out of a short time ago, and 
that, in addition, he attempted to take the life of a poor orphan 
boy who caught him in the act. 

All. Who is he ? Point him out ! 

[Jack looks alarmed.] 
Tom. This man has not respected our secrets. Not content 
with setting fire to our room to gratify a mean spirit of revenge, 
he has given out our work openly, read our ritual in saloons, 
and by his conduct endeavored to bring disgrace upon us. You 
may ask why I have not mentioned this matter before. It was 
because I would not prefer a charge until I was quite sure of 



A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 21 

my ground. Nothing is meaner than to wrong a man on sus- 
picion, and although I was satisfied that this man had done us 
great injustice, I preferred to wait until such time as I had se- 
cured the evidence that placed his guilt beyond a doubt. That 
evidence I now have in my possession, and am prepared to lay 
it before you. 

[Jack moves towards door back . ] 

Although this man has injured us a great deal, I would advise 
patience and prudence in dealing with him. The man of whom 
I speak, is Jack Dabble ! {Pointing his finger at him and 
pausing. Music until Tom speaks again.'] 

All. [Bising excitedly. ] Traitor ! 

[Jack makes a break for door k. in flat, but is quickly caught 
by tiDO men and firmly held at centre back. Li'oely commotion. ] 

Tom. I now move that he be expelled from membership in 
this assembly. 

All. I second the motion ! 

Jack. [Hissingly ; struggkng to free himself .] It's all a lie, 
a diabolical lie ! 

All. Put him out ! Expel him ! 

Ti)M. No, no, let him have a hearing. He says 1 have lied, 
and wronged him. in the interest of fair play, I am willing to 
let him tell this assembly what he has to say for himself. He 
has been the enemy of Reese Watkins for some reason, and 
why ? Because on one occasion he offered insult to Reese's 
daughter Ruth, and the indignant father chastised him for it. 

Jack. That's also false ! I see the whole assembly is set up 
against me, and I'll say no more. 

Acting M, W. {To Jack.] Then if you'll make no defense, 
there is nothing left for me but to put the motion of Brother 
Wilbur, namelj^ that you be expelled from this assembly. [2'<? 
assembly. ] Are you ready for the question ? 

All. Question ! 

A.CTING M. W. All those in favor of the motion, will please 
say "Ay." 

All. "Ay!" 

Acting M. W. Contrary, if any. [Pause. Silence. ] The 
motion's carried and it's so ordered. {To Jack. ] Jack Dabble, 
you have been officially expelled from membership in this as- 
sembly, and you are therefore required to leave the room forth- 
with. {Music until Tom speaks.] 

[Jack is released by the two men.] 

Jack. {Dratos revolver on Tom and fires, but his arm is 
quickly caught by one of the men. and the shot goes upiGards and 
misses, whereupon he is disarmed^ Take that, Tom Wilbur! 



22 A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 



All. Throw him out ! {RusMng for Jack, w^o 
rushes out door r. in flat. ] 

Tom. Brothers, be calm ! Don't stain your hands in his des- 
picable - blood. Let him go and enjoy his disgrace to its fullest 
extent. 

{They all come to order again.'] 

[Enter B-eese door e. in flat disguised ; advances to centre of 
room and throws ofl" disguise, when they all rise and look 
startled. Music at Reese's entrance, and chord at undisguising'] 

Reese. Brother Knights, no doubt you are surprised to see 
me here. It does seem strange but it is simple. I have pledged 
my honor to a man who is bound to all of us by the golden link 
of brotherhood, that within an hour I shall return to my cell, 
and I mean to keep my word. Knowing that you were in ses- 
sion to-night, I longed to tell you that 1 am innocent of the 
great crime of which I am accused, I was vain enough to think 
that if I told you this, there is not a man in the assembly who 
would doubt my word. I had, as you all know, great provoca- 
tion. The daughter I loved dearer than life had been stolen 
from me, and what I might do under certain circumstances I 
cannot say, as I am merely human ; but in this crime they ac- 
cuse me of I had no part. As I live and hope for a hereafter, I 
did not touch this young man Brandon, who has wronged me 
so deeply ; neither did I see him, and the finding of his body in 
the river was as much a mystery to me as to any man in Throck- 
ton. The verdict of the Coroner's jury, implicating me as it 
does, I consider an outrage, and I know not how the case may 
end, nor do I much care ; life has no charms for me now, but I 
could not bear to think that auy man of 3^ou would for a mo- 
ment harbor a suspicion of my guilt. That is why I am here 
to-night. 

Acting M. W. We believe every word you have uttered, 
and you will find that this assembly will not desert you in your 
hour of need. 

Secy. But why should he go back to prison now that he has 
his freedom ? He has merely given his word that he will go 
back, and what does a word amount to when one's life is in 
danger? I firmly believe his prosecutors will hang him if they 
can, and why should an innocent man die ? The way to save 
his life is to keep him from going back to that den of death. 
Brothers, let us. do it. We have Reese Watkins with us now. 
Let us save him. We may never have such another opportunity 
again. What say you ? 

Tom. I say amen to every word ! 

All. And so do I ! So do I! [CroiDding around Reese.] 



A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 23 

Secy. [To Reese.] Let us set you free. Do not go back 
again to that dirty dungeon, and in the morning you can be 
many miles away from Throckton. 

Reese. [Sadly. Soft music until end of speech.'] Oh. 
brothers, don't tempt me, don't temj)t me. I know that liberty 
is sweet, and I know that I stand in great danger, yet I have 
pledged all I am worth in the world — my word of honor — that 
I'll return, and I mean to keep my word if I die for it. I'll 
take the memory of your friendship with me. It will make my 
cell bright. And now let me say good-by ! There's one more 
that I want to gee before going back. 

Tom. Ay, boys, let him go. Reese Watkins cannot be in- 
duced to go back on a friend, and whoever it is that let him 
come here to-night should not be betrayed. \_They all resume 
their seats ex<;6pt Reese and Tom.] 

Reese. [Grasping Tom by tJie ha7id.'\ Well spoken, Tom. 
And now, lad, come along with me. I want to see Bess a few 
minutes before I go back to my den. 
Tom. Certainly. 

Reese. [To assembly.] Only a few words more and 1 have 
done. I thank you one and all, brothers, for your interest in 
me, but believe me, if my prison doors were left open all the 
time, I would not go away as long as there's a shadow on my 
name in Throckton. When I regain my liberty it must be as a 
freeman, not a fugitive. I have an abiding faith in the eternal 
cause of justice — in the ultimate triumph of Right, and I'll never 
run away as long as Faith and Hope do not desert me. Because 
of the prominence you have given me, I somehow feel that the 
honor of our noble order is more or less at stake in my case, 
and I want to make things clear to ail the world, so that those 
who do not understand may not be able to condemn us. You 
know that, in the eyes of some jjersons in Throckton, to be 
poor IS a crime, and to labor at hard, honest toil in the mill a 
disgrace. Many of those who hold such foohsh notions con- 
cerning the workiugmen were poor themselves years ago, and 
not all of them made their money honestly. 

Secy. That's very true; and as a rule they are the very ones 
who will employ nnorganized labor, not because Ihey want its 
services, but to use it as an instrument against the great army 
of organized breadwinners. 

Reese. It makes my blood boil to hear such people talk of 
us as Communists, merely because we have solved the problem 
of organization and improved upon the old plan of "every man 
for himseJf," by adopting the principles? that "the injury of one 
is the concern of all." If it were only to vindicate our order, 



24 A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 



therefore, and to vindicate the assembly that made me its Mas- 
ter Workman, I will stand my ground, come what may. [Soft 
music until end of speech.'] The mid-night chorus of the mill 
filling my cell with its solemn music in the loneliest hours of 
night, while I think of my wife, my daughter and my ruined 
home, will be dearer to me than liberty, haunted by the thought 
that I had played the part of a coward, and proved false to the 
friend who had placed such great confidence in me as to let me 
come before you this evening. 

All,. Bravo! [Applause.] 

Reese. And now good-night ! [Re-assumes Ms disguise. 
Jack in the meantime cautiously appears at door r. in flat, 
peeps in and suddenly loithdraws Reese goes to door k. in flat, 
folloiced hy Tom, when the former starts back in terrible alarm. 
Music until curtain.'] Great Heaven! I've been betrayed! 
Officers are now approaching the building ! What shall I do ? 
I must keep my word ! 

Tom. I have it ! Quick, let me have your disguise ! 
[Reese throws off his disguise, Tom puts it on, Reese m,ean- 
while puts on Tom's coat, &c.] 

Tom. Now you can escape by the back way. 

Reese. [OraspsToMby the hand.] Heaven bless you, Tom! 
[Exits door Ij in flat.] 

Tom. [Goes 'to i^. front, folds his arms andfaxies audience.] 
Now let them come ! Reese Watkins is safe and will keep his 
word ! 

[Enter Police Serg. hurriedly door r. in flat followed by 
fine other policemen.] 

Serg. [To 'Mom.] Reese Watkins, you are known! Sur- 
rinder yoursilf to the law.' 

Tom. [Turns and faces policemen boldly.] I will! 

PiCTUEE. — Curtain. 



A KNIGHT OF LA^OR. 25 



ACT III. 

Scene 1st. A New Fork Park. Lively music at rise of 
curtain. 

\_Enter Jimmy Isaacs, l. u. e. humming a tune.'] 

Jimmy. Veil, here I vos back in Ny Yorrick once more. 
Now if I can onlj^ find dot gal vot I left on de oder side of de 
river vone night, [pointing off r. u. e.] I vill knock de beoble 
of Throckton silly, und show Jack Dabble dot dere nefer vos a 
schmart feller made yet midout a schmarter vone vos made 
bretty kevick, right avay aftervard. [Exit k. u. e. Music un- 
til dialogue ] 

[Enter Ruth, l. u. e. terribly frightened, closely followed by 
Mr. Corliss] 

Corliss. [Catching Ruth by her arm.] You shan't go un- 
til I tell you how much I love you. I loved you the moment I 
first saw you in our show room, and I made up my mind that 
you would not be long wearing out those pretty fingers at cloak - 
making. 

Ruth. Mr. Corliss, I beg that you will not talk about love. 
Coming from the lips of a married man, your language is a gross 
insult, and I must entreat you to let me go. 

Corliss. [Laughing. ] What does it matter if I am married? 
I love you none the less, and I must have a kiss. [Tries to 
overpower her, she in the meantime screaming and struggling to 
free herself. Music until dialogue.] 

[Enter Sam Lambert, suddenly l. u. e. hitting Corliss a 
stunning bloic over the head tcith a club ; the latter quickly 
turns intending to strike Sam icith his fist, when Hutb. flies be- 
ticeen them and is accidentally hit, and falls unconscious.] 

Sam. There! You've killed her ! [Kneels down and holds 
up Ruth's head.] 

Corliss. You miserable little cur ! It was all your fault! 
and I've a good mind to chastise you for it. [Raises his flst 
menacingly over Sam.] 

Sam. For Heaven's sake don't strike me ! See, she has no 
friend but me to help her. [Very significantly.] You may be 
a rich man, but you can't afford to kill two poor people in one 
day. I couldn' t help hittin' you when I saw you insult her, 

Corliss. But I did not insult her. 



26 A KNIGHT OF LABOE. 

Sam. Didn't I see you? Didn't I follow you across the park 
a'waitin' for an opportunity to speak to her? 

Sam. {Looking in Ruth's /ace.] Ah, my poor Ruth, I 
didn't think it would come to this ! [ Weeps."] 

Ruth. [Showing signs of consciou-mess.} Water, water, 
[Corliss goes offn. and returns loith glass of water and offers it 
to Ruth who takes it and revives. Sam in the meantime steps 
hack a little.] I am better now ; thanks. [JRises.] 

Corliss. Let me see you to your lodging-house. 

Sam. [Springing to Ruth's side.] No, you don't ! I'll see 
her home. 

Ruth. [Startled on seeing Sam, then embraces him.] Sam! 
my dear little Sam ! How glad I am to see you ! 

Corliss. [Looking astonished, then aside.] What can this 
mean ? [Aloud.] Here take this. [Offers Sam a Mil.] 

Sam. [Scornfully.] I don't want it. 

Corliss. At least you will let me pay it to this young lady 
on account? [Pointing ^c Ruth.] She works for me, and 
there is nothing wrong in her accepting what is rightfully her 
own. 

Sam. [To Ruth.] Is that true? 

Ruth. Yes ; I work at his place, but he does not owe me 
much. 

Sam. If that's the case, I'll act as your treasurer, and we'll 
give the gentleman credit for the balance. [Accepts Mil and 
pockets it. ] 

Corliss. Very good. [Aside.] Baffled! and by a shabby 
little brat like that! [Aloud.] and now I will leave you to 
yourselves. Good-day. [Boios and exits r. u. e.] 

Sam. Good-day; glad you're gone. 

Ruth. Sam, how came you here ? What news have you 
from home ? How are my poor father and mother? What do 
thgy say aboat me, and what do the neighbors say? Oh, tell 
me everything ! 

Sam. That's a lot of questions to answer all at once. 

Ruth. But I expect a truthful answer to them all, Sam. 

Sam. Well, that ain't so easy. [Leads her to a rustic bench 
at L. back. She taking a seat, Sam standing by her side.] 
Mebbe you know something of home already. 

Ruth. I know nothing. I have not heard a word since I 
left Throckton. 

Sam. Then if you hain't, don't ask me to tell all now, Ruth. 

Ruth. [Eagerly. ] But I want to know. I want to know 
everything. 

Sam Before I answer anything, let me ask one question. 

Ruth. Any question you please. 



A KNIGHT OF LABOE. 27 



Sam. How did you part from Basil Brandon ? [Ruth / 
her head sadly, pauses and does not ansioer.] If it j^ains you 
to tell me, you needn't speak. 

Ruth. But I want to tell you. [Soft music until end of 
speech.'] Heaven only knows how I have suffered since the 
night we left Throckton, and I have not had a friend to whom 
I might confide my utter misery. I have learned to hate the 
name of Basil Brandon. He deceived and deserted me. The 
very night we came to New York he seemed all smiles and hap- 
piness, and before we parted planned how we should rueet in the 
morning and be married. When morning came Basil Brandon 
was nowhere to be found, and I have not seen him since, neither 
have I heard from him. I suppose he is at home in Throckton, 
basking in the smiles of the lovely Edith Beaumont, and pos- 
sibly married to her. For my part, I rue the day I ever met 
him. But be that as it may, I have answered your question, 
now I want you to answer mine. 

Sam. Promise me, that you'll be strong if I tell you news 
that ain't vftry good. 

Ruth. I promise, Sam. The knowledge will not be as bad 
as the suspense, 

Sam. Then if you're good and brave, and can stand a hard 
shock, same as they do at the dentists' without wincing^ and 
without faintin' or nothin' like that, I'll tell you ; but I'd rather 
not. 

Ruth. [Very anxiously. ] Yes! Yes! Goon. 

Sam. Seein' as you hate Basil Brandon, you wouldn't be 
real sorry no matter what happened to him. 

Ruth. I don't think 1 would, provided it's not something 
awful bad. 

Sam. [Shaking his head.] But he acted mean to you, he 
did, and if I were you, I wouldn't, care no matter what came of 
him. 

Ruth. There, there, Sam ; never mind. I can bear your 
story, I've had a more bitter experience since I left Throckton. 

Sam. [Aside.] Maybe. [Aloud.] In the first place, you 
ask me, what brought me here Well, I left Throckton forever, 
for more than one reason. I thought by doing so I might find 
you ; and I wasn't mistaken. A woman living across the river 
told me you were in New York, looking for work, 

Ruth. Ah, yes ; that must have been good, kind Mrs. Kim- 
mel. 

Sam. I believe that was her name, but never mind her noW' 
Say — wouldn't it be better, though, for you to come home, and 
learn everything there is for yourself, than have me tell you? 



28 A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 

Ruth. T shall never go back to Throckton again . 

Sam. Not even to see your poor father and mother, who 
think you dead, and are wearing their hearts away in grief 
about you ? 

Ruth. They would not own me now, I'm dead to them. 

Sam. Ah, Ruth, don't say that. You wrong them. There's 
not a day they don't think of you, or a night they don't dream 
about you, and why stay away, if that bad man, Basil Brandon, 
ran off and left you here alone in this big city ? 

Ruth. He did. He was heartless. I thought him the soul of 
honor, but I was deceived. He deserted me, and left me here 
without a friend, knowing that I dare not return home. Heaven 
knows [ have paid dearly for my folly. 

Sam. And he has paid dearly for his baseness. 

Ruth. How is that ? In what waj'- has he been punished ? 

Sam. Basil Brandon is dead ! 

Ruth. [^Terrihly startled.^ "Dead!" \_W6eps then recaoers 
lierself.^ Sam, are you quite sure that what you tell me is true, 
and that it is no rumor set afloat for the purpose of deceiving the 
people of Throckton ? Tell me all, I beg of you, or my heart 
will break. 

Sam. It is no rumor, Ruth. I thought you must have known 
it yourself. Basil Brandon is really and truly dead. His body 
was found in the river, near the Throckton Steel Mills It 
was badly mangled, but enough was found in his pockets 
for his people to know it was him, and he was buried. You 
can see his name on the gravestone. 

Ruth. "See his name on the gravestone !" You say his 
body was found in the river, badly mangled. Do they know 
how it got there ? 

Sam. Yes ; they believe he was murdered? 

Ruth. \Htartled ] ''Murdered!" Sam, what you say amazes 
me, and fills me with a thousand fears. 

Sam. But why should you fear anything, Ruth ? You did 
no wrong, and as for Basil Brandon, he was a scamp and went 
back on you, and he deserved to die. Why, then, should you 
fear for your own sake or mourn for his ? Come with me to 
Throckton to-night, and see your pooj mother, who has been 
crying her eyes out ever since you left home. Come, and you 
will learn of things that will astonish you. 

Ruth. I could not — dare not go back now. The very sight 
of Throckton would be more than I could endure, even if I 
knew the venemous tongues of slander would not slay me. No, 
no, Sam. I'll work my way out in this great, heartless city, 
where no one will be found to pity or condemn me. But 



A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 29 

I want you to tell me more about Basil Brandon's death. Tell 
me everything. I can bear the very w^orst you can possibly say 

Sam. Ah, Kuth, I don't think you know your own strength 
when you say that. 

KUTH. I've suffered more than you know, Sam, since I left 
Throckton, and it has made me strong. 

Sam. Then I'll tell you, if you promise you'll be brave and 
bear up. 

EuTH. My heart is hardened, I can bear any torture now. 

Sam. Well, then, they say your father killed Basil Brandon, 
and is now in jail [Soft music until Ruth starts up.] 

Ruth. [Uttering a piercing cry.] Oh, Heaven, what have 
I done ? [Falls prostrated in front of bench. Sam startled.] 

Sam. Poor Ruth! 

Ruth. {Recovering .] Father and lover, I have killed them 
both! 

Sam [Goes to Rutu trying to raise her up.] Come Ruth, 
Ruth, you are dreaming. 

Ruth. [Starting up,] Sam, was that awful thing you told 
me, a dream or a dread reality? 

Sam. Dou't ask me to say any more now, Ruth, but let me 
take you home, where you can have the rest and care you need. 

Ruth. [Rising to her feet ; very resolutely.] Yes, I will go 
home ! They must not kill my poor father ! 

Sam, [Fervently,] Heaven bless yoa for those words. 

[Enter Jimmy r u. e. sees Ruth and Sam and gesticulates 
ala Hebrew. Hurried music until next scene.] 

[Picture. — Scene closes.] 

Scene 2nd. A street in Throckton inl^Ta. [Voices and 
commotion heard without, k. 1 e.] 

[Enter Sergeant hurriedly., k. 1 e.] 

Sebg. it liming suddenly, looking off e. 1 e. flourishing his 
mace.] Here ! Here ! Schtop your nuisance now an' move 
along! [Turning to audience.] Oh, phwat a foine schnap it is 
to be a policeman ! It's so foine that Oi'm a'goin to quit it, go 
to worruk, make an honest liviu an jine the Knights of Labor. 
Bo'y the way, O'i have something to till yon, an' this is the 
way it runs : [Here introduce an appropriate Irish song or re- 
citation. At the end, voices and commotion heard loithout, l. 1 e] 

Serg. [Looking off lu. \ -e..] Hillo! Phwat's that? Oi'll go 
and see. [Exit l. 1 e.] 

Sebg. [ Withoihl.] Oome along now ! Oi'll take care av you. 



30 A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 

[Enter Sbkg. l. 1 e. hauling a drunken man on a wTieelbanf- 
raio.2 

Serg. This is another example of phwat a fine schnap it is 
to be a poheeman. This man is not drunk — in his moind. He 
is simply suiferin' from narvous prostration and Oi'm a'goin' to 
take him to the "cooler" in the patrol wagon and get him a 
noice soft bed till he recovers. [JSxit b, 1 e.] Music until next 
scene. 

Scene opens. 



Scene 3ed. Warde7i's Office in the Throckton Jail in 3rd 
G. — Desk and chair hajck. 

[Enter Warden door e. in fa,t folloiced hy Ruth and Tom.] 

Warden. [Pleasantly'] This is not the usual hour for visi- 
tors, but I'm not going to refuse any request that is likely to 
make Reese Watkins happy. Remain in this office, and I'll 
bring him here. [All bow^ and Waut>ie:.n ex?'ts door ^. in fiat. 
Tom takes position l. hack, Ruth l, front. Soft rnusic until 
after Tom's first speech.] 

Ruth. [We^^vously.] I tremble at his approach, not know- 
ing whether I shall encounter his love or his hate. 

[Enter Warden daor r. m fiat bringing in Reese. Warden 
exits door e. in fiM. Reese sees Ruth and seems dazed for a 
moment ; then Ms lips quimi^ and his entire body shak^with 
molent emotion ] 

Ruth. [Falling on her knees before him in pitiful repen- 
tance] Father, dear. I've come to you. Kill me if you will, 
but, oh, have pity if you can! 

Reese. [ Without noticing her, looks around slowly, then 
notices Tom and speaks in a choking voice.] Oh, Heaven, Tom, 
what shall I do ? 

Tom. Pity and forgive your child. There's no use in being 
angry with those who love us, Reese, when there are so many 
peojDle in the world who deserve our hate. Poor Ruth has been 
greatly wronged. 

Reese. But she has wronged us all, man. She has disgraced 
our honest name, and brought ruin to our little home. She has 
cast the shadow of shame upon me by her guilty love for a rep- 
robate, and made the community regard me as a criminal, 

Ruth. [Looking up wistfully .] Oh, father, father dear, 
don't talk like that I have been wayward, disobedient and 
foolish, but not guilty in the sense you say. My love wag a 
mistake, but not a crime. 

Ree«e. [Indignantly.] Not a crime lass ! not a crime? 
In Heaven's name, then, what do you call it ? What do yon 



A KNIGHT OF LA^OE. 31 

think the woi'ld calls it, wheu a girl cared for as tenderly as you, 
runs away from her home in the night with a young ruffian who 
has no regard f i r Q,nj woman's reputation ? I call that the 
worst crime a woman can be guilty of, and I am strongly temp- 
ted to kill you. How dare you come back and look me in the 
face ? 

EuTH. I would not come back but that I heard you were in 
trouble, and 1 could not bear to think that I had caused it all. 

Eeesk. How much better do you think you have made 
things by coming? I hate the sight of you^ Leave this place 
at once before I am tempted to strike you, and let me never see 
your face again. 

EuTH. {^Rising to her feet and flinging her arms despairingly 
around her father'' s neck. Eeese looks at her repulsively.} 
Father, dear, don't drive me away thus ! Kiss your own little 
Euth — say you forgive her, and I'll leave Throckton this very 
night, never, never to come back and annoy you with my 
presence again. 

Eeese. iShaJcing her off and speaking impassionately .~\ 
Silence ! I'll hear no more ! I loved you once as I did my 
own life, but you deliberately plunged into a vortex of degre- 
dation and shame, and brought dishonor upon us, causing me to 
hate you as I would a reptile ! Now go out into the world, it 
may tolerate you if it will not trust you. To me, you are dead 
forever, and I would not own you if your's should be the last 
eyes into which I might look from the scaffold on my way to 
eternity! \f)oft music until curtain. ] 

EtJTH. {Meantime legging piteously for mercy. '\ Father! 

Eeese. {Very impassionately .'\ Begone! On your life, I 
command you ! {Rushing furiously toward Euth, who screams 
and totters, Tom catching her limpless in his arms at l. front. 
Mbs. Watkins, Sam and Wakden enter hurriedly door r in flat 
looking startled. Mrs. WJLTKms takes positioni. c. Warden, 
K. Sam, e, f?'o}it. 

Tom. {Holdi7ig up his hand beseechingly to Eeese. J Mercy 
on your child! [Eeese stands transfixedly .'] 

Picture — Curtahst. 



32 A KNIGHT OF LABOK. 



ACT IV. 

Court Room. — Practical centre doors. — Judge on bench i>. 
back — Cleek l. front of same at table. — Witness box r. front 
of Clerk — Jury l. — Audience extreme R. — Mrs. Watkins, 
EuTH, Tom, Basil, and Sam r. — Basil disguised in lightbrown 
beard, wig and working clothes, — E,eese and Lawyer Brown 
at table near front centime —Lawyer Pincher and3Ac^ at table 
near l. front, — All seated. — Soft music at rise of curtain.'] 

Pincher. [Rising, facing Judge and bowing.] May it 
please the court. [Tu7ming to Juby.] Gentlemen of the jury. 
The prisoner at the bar, Eeese Watkins. [Pointing to Keese,] 
is indicted here for the murder of Basil Brandon. The crime 
was committed under the following circumstances : Some time 
ago the victim eloped with the prisoner's daughter, and this so 
eD raged the father that it finally culminated in a murderous 
■ hate, and led him to slay the supposed destroyer of his child. 
This is no imaginative sketch, no theory, no coinage of the 
brain, no circustantial combination of circumstances, but a grim 
fact which we propose proving by competent testimony. We 
can show you, gentlemen, that this man, Reese "Watkins, solemn- 
ly vowed to take Basil Brandon's life, and that he kept his vow, 
and slew one of the most promising young men that ever adorn- 
ed the social circles of Throckton. Some may say that he had 
great provocation ; but no provocation justifies the taking of 
human life, the shedding of one man's blood by another. 
Besides, when this deed was done, Eeese Watkins did not know 
whether he had been injured to any extent. He jumped at a 
rash conclusion, and indulged in a wild revenge. Society must 
j)rotect itself against such lawless conduct and we therefore ask 
for a verdict of guilty. 1 shall now call the first witness, 
Samuel Lambert. [Resumes his seat.] 

Sam. [Gom.es forioard reluctantly, addresses Eeese sadly.] 
What can I do to aid you ? 

Reese. Sam, lad, speak the truth. Don't swear a lie for me. 
No, boy ; if it should save my life, don't commit perjury and 
crush your conscience with a false oath. Tell the truth, what- 
ever eomes. 



A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 33 

PiNCHER. The prisoner's advice is not needed. This wit- 
ness needs no coaching from anybody. 

[Reese look^ co7itemptuously at Pinchejr. Sam takss the 
witness stand, and is sworn by (Jlebk by uplifted hand.] 

PiNCHEK, Did you hear Reese Watitins vow that he would 
take Basil Brandon's life ? 
Sam. [Wistfully to Judge.] Must I answer that? 
Judge. [Kindly, \ Yes, boy ; answer the question. 
Sam. Well, if 1 must, I s'pose I must. I did hear Reese Wat- 
kins say that if Basil Brandon wronged Ruth, he would kill him. 
PiNCHER. ['Triumphantly.] When was this ? 
Sam. The night I told him that I saw Basil Brandon and 
Ruth goiu' out on the river from the Witches' Landing in a row 
boat. He was a good deal excited, and mebbe he didn't know 

what he was saying. 

Pinch EK. Stop, stop ! We don't want your opinion. We 
simply want to know the facts. You told him you saw Basil 
Brandon and Ruth Watkins going off in a small row boat, and 
then the prisoner, Reese Watkins, said he would kill Basil Bran- 
don. Did he swear that he would do it? 
Sam. I believe he did, sir. 
Pinchejr. Are you quite sure that he did? 
Sam. I believe I am. 

PiNCHER. That will do, Yoa may step aside. 
Bkovvn. We have no questions to ask this witness. [Sam 
leaoeg the witness stand and resumes his seat.] 

PiNCHER. VVb will now call Jack Dabble. [Jack takes the 
witness stand, slightly intoxicated, and is sioo?yi as before] 
PiNCHEB. Your name is Jack Dabble ? 
Jack. It is. 

PiNCHER. Did you witness the murder of Basil Brandon ? 
Jack. I did. 

PiNCHER. State the circumstances as well as you can remember. 
Jack. It was a dark night. The moon had gone down. I 
was loitering about the mill, where I expected to sleep that 
night, when I was aroused by a scuffle between two men. I 
crept closer, and saw that one of them was Basil Brandon and 
the other Reese Watkins. Brandon was struck down by Watkins, 
who held a bar of iron in his hands. Then a third party came up 
and helped Watkins. I think the third party was a man calling 
himself Dick Russell, Watkins and Rassell both struck Bran- 
don on the head and face. He moaned pitifully and cried for 
mercy, but they called him a dog, and said he must die. At 
last, when he was not able to speak any longer, they flung him 
into the river, where his body was fouhd shortly after by some 
of the mill hands. [Reese looks sternly at Jack.] 



34 A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 

Brown, You say you saw all this. What, then, was your 
motive for keeping it secret at first? 

Jack. Because I was afraid of Watkins' friends. I feared 
they would do me violence in case I appeared against him, and for 
a time I made up my mind not to say anything about the matter. 

Bkown. Did you ever ask Eeese Watkins' daughter Euth to 
become your wife ? 

Jack. I don't see what that's got to do with it. 

Brown. Well, we will show you presently. You are not ex- 
actly what might be called a dude, Mr. Dabble, but I understand 
that you occasionally try to play the masher. Is it not true that 
you asked Euth Watkins to become your wife, and, when she 
refused you, you said you would swear her father's life away ? 

Jack. [Hissingly.^ It is false! I never asked her any 
such thing, and whoever says so lies. 

Beown. That will do, Mr. Dabble, Don't show your anjelic 
temper. We will excuse you for the present, but I would 
recommend the officers of the court to keep an eye on you, as 
we may need you again. [Jack steps from the witness stand 
and resumes his seat ] 

PiNCHEB. [^Rising and addressing the Judge.] Your Honor, 
we have no more witnesses to call on behalf of the Common- 
wealth. {^Resumes his seat.'\ 

Bkown. {Rising ; facing Judge and hotDing.l If the court 
please. [Turning to Jury.] Gentlemen of the jury. The 
great injustice that has been done my client [Pointing to 
Reese,] by trumping up this terrible charge against him and 
deprivmg him of the precious boon of liberty, stands without 
a parallel in the annals of criminal procedure. I shall not call 
many witnesses, yet I trust to be able to prove to you gentlemen 
of the jury, to my fellow citizens of Throckton, and to the wide 
world, that this brave, ' patient, and noble hearted man, Eeese 
Watkins, [Pointing to ^^^^'k,'] is innocent of the fearful charge 
against him, and for which he has suffered so much already. 
The evidence, establishing these facts, will be of such a char- 
acter as will secure his triumphant acquittal at your hands. I 
shall now proceed to call our first witness, Eichard Eussell. 
[Basil takes the witness stand and is sicorn as before ] 

Beown. [To Basil.] Please state to the court and jury 
what you know regarding an interview between Euth Watkins 
and Jack Dabble, in which the latter threatened to swear away 
Reese Watkins' life because his daughter refused to become his 
wife. 

Basil. Last evening I was down along the river bank, below 
the Steel Mills, where I overheard a conversation between Euth 
Watkins and Jack Dabble. I was completely hidden ^from 



A KNIGHT OF LABOK. 35 

their view by a clnmp of trees, but I heard all that was said. 
From their conversation, I soon learned that Miss Watkins was 
enticed to that place by Dabble under the pretext that he could 
save her father's life. Among other things, he said to her : 
" Be my wife and I'll not swear against your father." This 
she firmly refused. Then he became violent and said : "That's 
your father's death sentence." 

PiNCHEK. And you swear positively that you saw and heard 
all this? 

Basil. I do. 

PiNCHER. [Jumping tip excited.] Well, sir, nobody but a 
sneak and a coward would be guilty of such conduct. [Smiting 
the table.] and besides, we don't know who you are, what you 
are, or where you came from. The principal witness here 
thinks you were an accomplice of Watkins in the murder of 
Basil Brandon, and, if justice were done, you would not be al- 
lowed to testify at all. I repeat, sii-, that we don't know who 
you are, what you are, or where you came from. 

Basil. [Triumphantly.] Then, sir, you shall know ! lam 
Basil Brandon ! [Quickly plucks aicay his disguise. Marks 
of imuiid on right temple seen. Stands transfixedly., looking at 
PiNCHER. Chord and hurried music until Ruth speaks. 
Everybody jumps iip startled. WATKiinf sfnends cheer. Judge 
raps for order u^hen everybody quiets down.] 

Ruth. [To her mother.] Mother see ! It is Basil Brandon 
come back from the grave ! 

[Jack makes a break for centre door but is quickly caught by 
Tom at centre back ] 

Tom. Dabble, you are cornered at last. It is j^our turn now 
to occupy a prison cell, and I think the law will have little 
mercy for you 

Jack. [Tremblingly.] Tom, for Heaven's sake let me go. 

Tom. No! You have been too long at large, while honest 
men have been suffering for your crimes. You belong to the 
law, and so heartless a wretch as you need expect no mercy. 
You have used your liberty to make life a burden to others, and 
you deserve the severest penalties that can be imposed for ail the 
bitterness and sorrow you have brought upon an honest narn ^' 

PiNCHEB. [To Basil.] Well, I declare ! Can it be possible 
that this is really Basil Brandon ? 

Basil, Yes, it is Basil Brandon himself, and he is here to see 
that justice is done to more than one person who has been 
greatly wronged by what some of you may call a rash mistake, 
but what I call a cruel outrage. Reese Wlaatkins has suffered, 
his poor wife has suffered, his charming daughter, Ruth, has 
suffered and been greatly wronged ; but I too have been a suf- 



36 A KNIGHT OF LABOR. 

ferer, and though I have not come back from the grave, as 
many of you doubtless supposed when you first saw me, I have 
come back from the border-land of death. 

PiNCHEE. But what is the meaning of this melodramatic 
demonstration ? Why have you caused your family so much 
misery, when you might have relieved them from anxiety and 
remorse ? 

Basil. I don't blame anyone for chiding me. It looks as if 
I had played a mean part toward everyone, and especially to- 
ward the young lady whom I had invited to become my wife, 
and who gave me her confidence and her heart, but after you 
have heard me, I do not think a man or woman in this court 
room will be willing to say that I have done wrong. [Looks at 
Judge.] 

Judge. Go on with your story, 

Basil. The night that Miss Watkins and I rowed across the 
river our intentions were to be married by the Rev. Ira Wood- 
burn at his residence on the other side, but a fatal mishap to the 
clergyman prevented the ceromony. We then concluded to go 
to New York and be married there the following morning. We 
arrived in that city late at night, went to a hotel and registered 
as "Basil Brandon and sister." Shortly after I went to my room, 
a thieving hotel porter entered who attacked and robbed me 
and afterward flung my helpless body through the window into 
the court-yard below. From that momen^^nd for weeks after, 
the world was a blank to me until one day^ found myself a pa- 
tient in St. Vincent's Hospital. As soon as I had sufficiently re- 
covered, I left there determined upon hunting down my assail- 
ant, but when I learned that the father of my affianced wife was 
to be tried for a murder that he did not commit, I resolved to 
come back at once and save an innocent man's life. 

PiNCHER. Why did you not reveal yourself at once and ob- 
viate the necessity of these proceedings? 

Basil. Because the condition in which I found things here, 
suggested the wisdom of my waiting to see how far • injustice 
would go in wronging an innocent man. The perfidiaous testi- 
mony of Jack Dabble satisfied me on that point, and so I felt 
that the time had come for me to speak, and put an end to this 
tragical farce that had been carried on in the name of the Law. 
You see that Reese Watkins has not taken my life. The scoun- 
drel who attempted it is still at large, and if I should succeed 
in catching and convicting him, I could die happy, 

PiNCHER. [ With Old-like solemnity'] But whose body was 
taken from the river, indentified as yours, and buried from the 
family mansion ? 



A KNIGHT OF LA^OE. 37 

Basil. [Smiling.] It certainly was not mine, and I'm as- 
tonished that you should ask such a ridiculous question, 

PiNCHER. [Dri/ly.] I don't ask you, young man. I merely 
ask the question on general principles. Somebody has been 
killed — somebody thdt must have looked very much like you, 
else the victim would not be identified by your own parents as 
their son, and mourned and buried with all the honors that be- 
longed to you. 

Basil. Mr. Pincher, that fellow was a usurper, and he must 
get out of my grave as soon as possible. 1 shall also dispose of 
a second-hand tombstone and epitaph cheap — in fact, I may add, 
'• dirt cheap," as the dealers say, since I don't expect to have 
any use for such things for many years to come. 

PiNCHEE. That's very smart indeed, sir. But we would like 
to know who was murdered and flung into the river the night 
that Mr, Dabble witnessed the tragedy of which he has told this 
court and jury. 

Basil. 1 can't enlighten you as to that. 

[Enter Jimmy quickly at centre door.] 
Jimmy. But I can! [Chord.] 

[E'veryhody looks surprised at Mm. J 
Pincher. [To Simmy.] What brought you here." 
Jimmy. Masgular action. 

Bkown. [I'o Basil.] That will do Mr, Brandon. [Basil 
leaves the witness stand and resumes his seat.] 
Bkown. James Isaacs, please take the witness stand. 

[Jimmy takes the witness stand and is sworn as before.] 
PiNCHEE. [To JiMiMY.] What do you know about this affair ? 
. Jimmy. I know de coat vot vos took from de river. It vos 
Zeb GrinnelL 

Basil. [Rising excitedly.] "What! the scoundrel who at= 
tempted my life and robbed me in the hotel ! [Resuines his seat.] 
JiMAfY, [Cooly.] Der same schnoozer, I heard him tell his 
mudder how he robbed you. Dey tought dot pooty gal over dere 
[Pointing to Ruth,] vos your sister, un' af eared dot she might 
make drouble, Mudder Grinnell tried to put an end to her too, 
but I balked de old hag. I carried de gal on my back to a boat, 
un' vos crossin' de river mit her when a lot of train -robbers over 
took us, Zeb Grinnell had charge of de gang, for Jack Dabble. 
I left de gal at Hoboken und dey forced me along. When we 
got to Throckton, Grinnell, he got owitof de cars, und while he 
was foolin' around de track he vos run over by anoder train und 
killed as dead as a salt mackerel. Den de gang took und flung 
his body into the river afeared dey'd be cotched if dey bothered 
mit him, Grinnell had on some clothes und jooelry belongin' to 
Mr. Brandon here, [Pointing to Basil], und dot's, I subbose. 



38 A KNIGHT OF LABOK. 

how everybody fought, vhen de body vos found, dot it vos dis 
young shentlemen's gorbse, und dot's all I know about it. 
[^Leaves the witness stand and sits r. ] 

Judge. [To Juky.] Gentlemen of the jury. In as much as 
the Commonwealth has utterly failed to make out a case against 
the defendant at the bar, it would be unjust to convict, and you 
are therefore directed to render a formal verdict of acquittal 
without leaving the box. 

[Jurymen gesticulate with each other.'] 

Judge. [To Jack.] Jack Dabble: From the evidence here 
given, you are prima facially guilty of numerous crimes, and 
you will therefore consider yourself under arrest until such time 
as you shall have answered to the Law. [To Juky.] Gentle- 
men of the jury, have you agreed upon a verdict ? 

Jury, \iiising.'] We have. 

Judge. What say you? Guilty or not guilty ? 

Jury. Not guilty ! 

Judge. And so say you all? 

Jury. We do. [Jurymen resume tlieir seats.] 

Judge. A most righteous verdict! [To Keese.] Eeese 
Watkms, [Eeese rises^ you have been legally and honorably 
acquitted of the great crime with which you have here been 
charged, and it is with extreme pleasure that I say to you that 
you are discharged. [Applause by the spectator's. Eeese bows 
to the court, then clasps Brown by the hand ] 

Eeese. [Goes to Mrs. Watkins, and embraces her.'] My wife ! 
[Goes to B.TJTH, and embraces her.] My child! [Goes to Basil, 
clasps him by the hand, then takes him to 'Rvts.] Take her! 
[Music until curtain.] [Then takes position at centre back with 
Mrs. Watkins.] Jack in the meantime makes a break for 
centre door, where he is met by an officer, who grasps him lohen 
he crouches; the latter holding a drawn mace over him. 
[Flats open at back.] 

Tableau. Goddess of Justice seen on an elevation. A 
smaller goddess on each side of her, pointing and looking at her. 
The one on her right holding a banner in her right hand unth 
the word '■^ Labor"" on it, and the 07ie on her left holding a 
banner in her left hand with the word " CapitaV on it 

Eeese. [Looking up, fervently.] Thank Heaven! Justice 
at last. 

Picture — Curtain. 

THE END. 



I 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 

■■L. 

017 400 659 3 # 



PRESS OF 

E. THALHEIMER, 

READING, PA. 



